Why should you be the next Iron Chef?
I should be the next Iron Chef because I will bring something new and different to the show. A whole new type of cuisine: American with an African accent.
You have an impressive resume, but so do your competitors. What makes you stand out from the others?
My cultural background. I cook like I speak: American with an accent. My cuisine blends African spices into fine dining American food using French techniques or molecular gastronomy as a mean to reach my goal.
What is your culinary point-of-view or cuisine you're known for?
Explore, but always cook from bottom of your heart. Translate your feelings into dishes. You will always do better cooking what you know best. I personally use a lot of unique spices and some techniques like drying, smoking and preserving foods from the Ivory Coast in my cuisine.
What is your signature ingredient?
I dont think of ingredients that way, but I love using unique spices from West Africa.
What ingredient do you avoid?
I will try everything at least once.
What is your favorite meal?
Whatever my wife makes is good for me.
What is your favorite restaurant?
Makoto: 4822 Mac Arthur Blvd. NW, Washington, DC